By Shikin Louis & Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, June 20: Kumpulan Kebudayaan Kampung Gumbang Bau stole the spotlight this evening, clinching the coveted championship title in the highly competitive open Cultural Float (Kereta Berhias) category at the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak “Niti Daun” 2026 procession.
The group walked away with a grand cash prize of RM10,000 for their stunningly decorated float, which led a spectacular visual feast down the streets of the capital city.
They beat out the iconic Semban Ring Lady contingent, who finished as the runner-up to secure RM5,000, while Gabungan Orang Asal Samarahan (GOAS) placed third, taking home RM3,000.
Consolation prizes of RM1,000 each were awarded to Bisaya Gong Orchestra Limbang and Academic Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (ASADIA) HQ.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas presented the prizes to the ecstatic winners during a vibrant closing ceremony on the main Waterfront stage.
Speaking to reporters when met after the event, Uggah expressed his absolute amazement at the sheer variety of cultural heritage on display, pointing out the surprise appearance of rarer minority communities.
“What is truly impressive today is the emergence of ethnic groups that we rarely get to see—such as the Remun, the Tagal, and several other distinct associations.
“It is clear that so many Dayak associations across Sarawak are deeply passionate about developing and keeping their respective cultural traditions alive,” Uggah said.
He added that the grand parade gave Malaysians a rare window into a deeply meaningful cultural showcase, noting that even Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was visibly awed by the unexpected presence of these lesser-known ethnic groups.
“This is a massive success for this year’s Niti Daun. We feel that this event is our cultural contribution to the broader unity and harmony of Malaysian society,” he remarked.
When asked about the core message the Sarawak government hoped to convey through the parade, Uggah emphasised that the event serves as a powerful testament to the unity of the Dayak people, who traveled from all corners of the State—including as far as Miri and Lawas—to stand as one.
“They sacrificed their time and resources with a single goal: to showcase their culture and traditions. That is incredibly meaningful. We hope all Malaysians appreciate the Dayak community’s vital contribution to building national unity and harmony,” Uggah stated.
The competitive edge added immense excitement to the 1.2-kilometre cultural march, rewarding elite teams with RM10,000 for first place, RM5,000 for second, RM3,000 for third, and RM1,000 for two consolation spots across all four categories.
In the Iban Cultural Parade category, Kelab Belia Warisan Budaya Kreatif Taman Samarindah clinched the top spot.
The women’s bureau of Rh. Minggat, Nanga Bawai (representing the DUN N.61 Pelagus constituency) finished as the runner-up, while SDNU Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Kapit secured third place.
Consolation prizes went to Sarawak Dayak Nasional Union (SDNU) Siol and SDNU Pekan Lundu.
The Bidayuh Cultural Parade category saw Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Samarahan Branch claim the championship trophy, followed closely by DBNA Cawangan Wanita in second place.
Persatuan Kemajuan Dan Kebudayaan Asar Pinyawa grabbed third, while DBNA Cawangan Serian and DBNA Bau took home the consolation prizes.
In the Orang Ulu Cultural Parade category, the women of Persatuan Wanita Kayan Sarawak (PWKS) reigned supreme as champions.
Persatuan Lun Bawang Sarawak (PLBS) took the runner-up spot, with Persatuan Tagal (OKOLOD) Sarawak (PTS) finishing third.
Persatuan Anak Seni Sape Kuching (PUSAK) and Persatuan Kebangsaan Kenyah Sarawak (PKKS) rounded out the category with consolation wins.
The grand prize presentation was witnessed by a powerhouse lineup of dignitaries, including Federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi; Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; and Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai.
Also present to celebrate the achievements of the Dayak communities were Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government I Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Law and Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat; Special Duties Officer Lieutenant General (Rtd) Datuk Stephen Mundaw; and M-FICORD permanent secretary Datu Sirai Daha. — DayakDaily
